Chiropractic Care Expanding In Military

U.S. Congress has ordered the Pentagon to expand availability of chiropractic care to an additional 11 military bases. As part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) cleared on September 27, 2008, this new legislation ensures chiropractic care will be available to active duty military personnel at 60 military-related locations. This latest chiropractic program expansion marks the ninth time since 1992 that Congress has enacted legislation aimed at providing chiropractic care in a military setting. We and our friends at the American Chiropractic Association and Association of Chiropractic Colleges would like to thank members of Congress for their support and for fighting for inclusion of this latest chiropractic provision in the NDAA, especially House Armed Services Committee Chair Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), Committee Ranking Member Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), and Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.).

Even A Small Amount Of Exercise Is Beneficial

According to new research from the University of Michigan, even a single exercise session helps boost fat burning in the obese thus improving their metabolic health. In just one 90-minute exercise session, obese subjects were able to improve their ability to burn fat as well as store fat as triglycerides in their muscles - both beneficial and proof of improved metabolic health. Other studies have also been successful in showing single exercise sessions to be beneficial for metabolic health. Obviously, regular exercise has superior health benefits as compared with the occasional exercise session. However, for those of you looking for an excuse to skip yet another workout, scratch the "what difference will one workout make" excuse off your list!

Physical Activity Guidelines Released

While research has shown just one exercise session has its benefits, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recommends adults obtain 2.5 hours of exercise per week. For children, a minimum of one hour of "run and play" per day is recommended. The latest statistics released in July 2008 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state approximately 26 percent of U.S. adults are medically obese. Worse yet, one quarter of U.S. adults are completely inactive with close to two thirds not active enough. To download a copy of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' guide titled Be Active Your Way, visit them online at http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/.

Natural Remedy For Depression

According to a recent review of research, the herbal remedy St. John's Wort is truly effective in the treatment of depression. In a review of 29 past studies containing more than 5,000 men and women, researchers found St. John's Wort to be more effective than placebos and equally effective as prescription anti-depressants but with fewer side effects. St. John's Wort works similarly to certain prescription antidepressants by increasing the brain chemical serotonin, involved in controlling mood. Researchers caution that taking St. John's Wort can affect and interact with other drugs. Thus, for those taking other medications, they should first consult with their health care provider prior to consuming products containing St. John's Wort.